Ready or not, London Mayor Sadiq Khan's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was expanded this week.

The new expansion area, which has grown to 18 times its original size now includes all areas within the North and South Circular roads. 

The scheme was originally introduced in central London and has now been extended to boost air quality and reduce congestion.

At the time, the live sat nav app Waze - in collaboration with Transport for London - was brought in to give drivers smart routing options.

News Shopper: Ultra low emissions zone map. Credit: PA GraphicsUltra low emissions zone map. Credit: PA Graphics

The growth of London’s ULEZ means it is on the right path to meet the UK government’s 2050 carbon emission goals ahead of the Glasgow COP26 Climate conference which starts this weekend.

How to avoid ULEZ fines and navigate the zone

The world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app, Waze has announced that they are extending their smart routing services 

From today, Waze’s community of volunteer map editors have worked to extend the functionality to the new areas.

The app will help motorists avoid or go through the area, depending on their vehicle’s exemption and preference.

London's extended ULEZ zone will join Waze's network which operates smart routing services in both Bath and Birmingham, after Clean Air Zones (CAZ) were introduced earlier this year.

 

Waze UK Country Manager, Ruairidh Roberts, said: “Due to hybrid working weeks car reliance is the highest it’s been in recent years, so data and technology need to evolve to effectively communicate with drivers. 

“Waze can do this thanks to its community of map editors who respond in real-time to road restrictions and updates, helping motorists avoid unnecessary fines and toll charges.

"We’re supporting the path towards London’s zero emission transport network.”

 

ULEZ 2021: Check to see if your car complies

 

Transport for London (TfL) has been calling for Londoners to get their vehicles checked to avoid the fines. 

More than one million letters have been sent to people who have driven within the new boundaries to alert them, while more than 600,000 leaflets have been delivered to residents in the new area.

Drivers can use Transport for London's Post Code checkers to see if they fall within the new zone limits. 

You can also search your vehicle registration to see if your car complies.